Over the course of the next week, students might notice a familiar face within the halls of Mill Valley.  Retired math teacher John McFall is fulfilling the role of a substitute teacher for math teacher Jessica DeWild for one week while she is away for her wedding and honeymoon.

With a 30 year record, McFall has more experience than an average substitute teacher. When he taught at Mill Valley, McFall instructed a multitude of math classes, a couple of which he shared with DeWild.

“I taught College Algebra, Math III Support, Algebra II, Geometry; I taught about everything,” McFall said.  “Dewild and I worked together on College Algebra last year, and a little bit on [Integrated] Math III.”

Though McFall said that his visit is more of a favor to DeWild, he appreciates the students of Mill Valley for their exceptional manners.

“This is the most polite high school I’ve ever been to,” McFall said. “People say thank you, they say please, they say excuse me; not everybody [does], but compared to the other schools I’ve been to, it’s about four times as much.”

McFall still relishes visiting the school every now and then though he retired after last school year.

“It’s a very good school and I enjoy touching base,” McFall said.

Sophomore Zach Bossert is currently taking Integrated Math III, a class in which  McFall will continue to teach through next week.

“I thought he was a good sub today,” Bossert said.  “He explained how to do all the problems and he didn’t leave me bored.”

Bossert enjoyed having McFall in class, and he hopes to see McFall as a substitute again in the future.

“Since he is a retired math teacher that I know many people liked, he makes for a good substitute for our math class,” Bossert said.

Unfortunately, McFall will be leaving after this week and he does not plan to do very much substitute teaching hereafter.

“My son is a social studies teacher at Shawnee Mission South and the head basketball coach and I [taught] for him for four days a couple weeks ago,” McFall said.  “I’ll sub for him and maybe a couple other times but I’m not into subbing.”

After six years of teaching at Mill Valley, McFall has developed a certain bond with the school.  Although his substitute positions will be “minimal,” McFall plans to stay in touch will Mill Valley.

“The staff here is very willing to work with you if you’re willing to work with them,” McFall said.  “I’ve been to Shawnee Mission, I’ve been to Olathe and those are good schools, but this is an outstanding school.”